Life Events
 

Milestones in our lives - demand more than mere ceremony
 

Rites of Passage' have always been important in every culture and there are now colourful additions - such as American-style school graduations - to add to the mix. However, the Church has always been to the forefront in marking Births, Deaths and Marriages and this section - which will develop over time, will provide answers to some of your questions about the way Christians in the Church of England mark these milestones.

Think for a moment: What is being said when someone is baptised? Rather big things! We are signalling the beginning of a life commitment to the Lord Jesus. In a service of Christian marriage we are, similarly, enacting something in the presence of God which signals commitment between two people and at a Christian funeral we take time to celebrate a human life and to recognise our love for them as we come to accept that they are no longer with us.

These events therefore demand something very much more significant than mere ceremony, and the Church takes very seriously its responsibility to provide preparation and pastoral support at these key life stages.

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Pray One For Me

Church of England to launch prayer website
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Over 20% to observe Lent - but what with?

One in three planning to observe Lent don’t know what to give (or take) up survey finds – as Church House Publishing launches Reflections for Lent app
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Diocese issues security reminder following tragic death of Thornbury vicar

Clergy security system reminder and reassurance
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Fancy joining a one-off choir to perform Stainer's Crucifixion?

St Francis' Church, Westborough, invites singers to join its choir for a performance of the much-loved Lenten cantata
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Flagging up the Queen's Diamond Jubilee

Wonersh school children take part in a special service to mark Queen Elizabeth’s accession to the throne
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Queen: 'Church has helped to build a better society'

The Queen's speech at Lambeth Palace, 15/2/11
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Tell us about your church’s royal connections

WANTED: stories about the regal links between churches, cathedrals and the monarchy.
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Get the kettle on – and invite in the neighbours!

Traidcraft is urging churches to put on the kettle – to help tea-growing communities across East Africa and hit some of their own mission targets as well.
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Parish's Olympic Mission

From litter-picking, to taking a cake to a neighbour or blessing someone in God’s name – members of St Peter’s Shared Church are pursuing Olympic targets of their own.
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Pop a faith egg in your basket this Easter!

The Bishop of Dorking the Rt Revd Ian Brackley is urging shoppers to buy the only Easter egg to explain the meaning of Easter.
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